The New Frontier and the Great Society

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1 The New Frontier and the Great SocietyPresident John F. Kennedy’s efforts to confront the Soviet Union and address social ills are cut short by his assassination. President Lyndon B. Johnson spearheads civil rights legislation and declares a “war on poverty.”Lyndon B. Johnson being sworn in as president of the United States after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Jacqueline Kennedy (right) witnesses the oath (November 22, 1963).

2 Section 1 Kennedy and the Cold WarThe Kennedy administration faces some of the most dangerous Soviet confrontations in American history.

4 The Camelot Years A New Military Policy The Kennedy MystiqueKennedy wins presidency in close electionCritics argue his smooth style lacks substanceKennedy White House known as Camelot for its glamour, culture, witFirst Lady admired for her elegance; constant articles about familyThe Best and the BrightestJFK’s advisers called “the best and the brightest”Brother Robert Kennedy named attorney generalA New Military PolicyDefining a Military Strategy• JFK believes must redefine nation’s nuclear strategy• Flexible response—fight conventional wars, keep nuclear arms balanced• JFK increases defense spending in three areas:- strengthens conventional forces- creates army Special Forces (Green Berets)- triples nuclear capabilities

5 Crises over Cuba The Cuban DilemmaRevolutionary leader Fidel Castro declares himself communist- seizes U.S. properties; Eisenhower cuts off diplomatic relations10% of Cuban population goes into exile; mostly to U.S.

7 The Bay of PigsCuban exiles, CIA plan invasion to topple CastroPlans go wrong; exile forces killed, taken prisonerJFK pays ransom in food, medicine; mission is public embarrassmentThe Cuban Missile CrisisNikita Khrushchev sends weapons to Cuba, including nuclear missilesJFK warns Soviets that missile attack will trigger war on U.S.S.R.Soviets avoid confrontation at sea; reach agreement with U.S.Kennedy and Khrushchev Take the HeatKhrushchev’s prestige severely damaged in U.S.S.R.JFK criticized for brinkmanship, also for not ousting CastroCuban exiles switch to GOP; Castro bans flights to and from Miami

8 Analyze the Cartoon: Who are the two people pictured in this cartoonAnalyze the Cartoon: Who are the two people pictured in this cartoon? What do you believe this cartoon is meant to represent? Is this cartoon clear and/or effective?

9 Crisis over Berlin The Berlin CrisisBy % of Germans flee to West Berlin; economic drain on EastKhrushchev wants to close access roads to West Berlin; JFK refusesSoviets isolate West Berlin from East Germany with Berlin WallSearching for Ways to Ease TensionsKhrushchev, Kennedy conscious of danger of quick decisionsEstablish hot line—direct phone between White House, Kremlin• Limited Test Ban Treaty bans nuclear tests in atmosphere

10 Section 2 The New FrontierWhile Kennedy has trouble getting his ideas for a New Frontier passed, several goals are achieved.

11 The Promise of ProgressKennedy’s Vision of Progress• New Frontier—policies of the Kennedy administration• JFK faces Republican-Southern Democrat coalition• Lacks skill to get policies passed• Also lacks mandate—clear voter support for his agendaStimulating the EconomyBy 1960, U.S. in recession; 6% unemploymentJFK administration pushes for deficit spending to stimulate growthGets 20% increase for defense; money for unemployment problemsAddressing Poverty Abroad• Peace Corps—volunteers assist developing nations; great success• Alliance for Progress—economic, technical assistance to Latin America- in part meant to deter spread of communism in Latin America

17 Building the Great Society• Great Society—LBJ’s legislation to end poverty, discrimination• Johnson gets Congress to pass 206 of his billsEducationElementary and Secondary Education Act funds school materialsHealthcare• Medicare—low-cost medical, hospital insurance for senior citizens• Medicaid—health insurance for welfare recipientsHousingLegislation shifts political power from rural to urban areasMoney set aside for public housing; low-, moderate-income homesDept. of Housing and Urban Development createdRobert Weaver is first African American in cabinet, HUD secretary

18 Building the Great SocietyImmigrationExisting immigration quotas discriminate against non-Western Europeans• Immigration Act of 1965 ends quotas based on nationalityThe EnvironmentRachel Carson’s Silent Spring exposes dangers of pesticidesWater Quality Act of 1965 requires states to clean up riversLBJ orders government to search out worst chemical pollutersConsumer ProtectionLaws set standards for consumer labels, auto safety, food safety

19 Reforms of the Warren Court• Warren Court—Supreme Court under Chief Justice Earl Warren• Rejects loyalty oaths, affirms free speech, church-state separationCongressional Reapportionment• Reapportionment—way states redraw election districts by populationCourt rules districts must have approximately equal populationLeads to shift in political power from rural to urban areasRights of the AccusedWarren Court rulings expand rights of people accused of crimes:- illegally seized evidence cannot be used in court- courts must provide legal counsel to poor- suspect must be read rights before questioningSome praise protection of right to a fair trialOthers think rulings handicap police investigations

20 Impact of the Great SocietySocial and Economic EffectsPost-WW II, LBJ extends federal power more than all other presidentsPoverty drops from 21% of population in 1962 to 11% in 1973Massive tax cut spurs economy; Great Society contributes to deficitDebate over finances, effectiveness of programs, government role